text:
Federer, Djokovic to meet in London decider
The world's top two players, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, have advanced to the championship match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
London, England, 12 November 2012 | AFP
The top two players in the world advanced to the championship match at the ATP finals on Sunday, each looking beatable early in their semifinal matches before turning things around.
Roger Federer, a six-time champion at the season-ending event, advanced by beating US Open champion Andy Murray 7-6 6-2. The top-ranked Novak Djokovic earlier defeated Juan Martin del Potro 4-6 6-3 6-2.
"I knew that if I lose today it's the end of the season, so I gave everything I had and couldn't be more happy," Federer said on court after the match.
The ATP World Tour Finals is the last tournament of the season, and Federer will face Djokovic in the final match on Monday at the O2 Arena.
Federer found himself in a hole early against Murray, losing his serve in the opening game of the match. But Murray, who lost to Federer in the Wimbledon final but beat him in the Olympic final, couldn't hang on. The 17-time Grand Slam champion broke back to even the score at 4-4, and then recovered from a 3-1 deficit in the tiebreaker to win the opening set and take control of the match.
In the second set, Federer lost only two points on serve and broke Murray twice.
"Once he gets ahead, he's incredibly hard to stop," said Murray, who leads Federer 10-9 in head-to-head play. "He tends to play better and better when he gets up. I feel like I gave him that advantage the beginning of the second set."
In the early match, the top-ranked Djokovic started playing his best tennis as soon as it looked like he was headed for his offseason vacation.
Djokovic was broken late in the first set and again early in the second, but he then found his stroke and quickly rebounded.
"Well, I had a little, let's say, crisis in today's match from 4-all, first set to 2-all in the second, where I didn't feel so good on the court, struggling to find my momentum and my rhythm," Djokovic said. "So you try to be positive and push myself to fight for every point and believe I can come back. That was the case."
Del Potro took the lead late in the first set, breaking Djokovic for a 5-4 lead before serving out the set at love.
The tall Argentine, who defeated Djokovic to win the Olympic bronze medal at Wimbledon this year, then went up a break early in the second set. But Djokovic broke right back to 2-2 and then took Del Potro's serve again to take a 5-3 lead.
"He's so good," Del Potro said. "Of course, he's the No. 1. In these kinds of matches, they make the difference between them and the rest of the players."
In the third, Djokovic decided things by winning 12 of 13 points in a three-game stretch to take a 3-1 lead. He broke again three games later and held at love to advance.
"I believed that I could come back," said Djokovic, who treated the media to chocolates during his post-match news conference to thank them for work throughout the year.
"I believed that I could turn this match around in my favour, and I've done so."


text:
The fabled Age of Leisure that the Industrial Revolution promised may not have transpired for a majority of working U.S. citizens, but a select group had hoped to enjoy something that looks an awful lot like it. As they approach retirement, U.S. workers prepare to step back and enjoy their final years. However, the sheer number of retirees, and the cost of accommodating them, is likely to put an end to these dreams before they begin.
From 2000 to 2010, the number of over-65s in the United States increased to 40 million from 35 million, and this number is expected to increase a further 36 percent to 55 million by 2020 as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement. This glut of retirees will leave behind neither the economy nor the workforce needed to ensure a safe and secure old age. Like many Western countries, the United States has an aging population as a consequence of declining fertility. As more of the population retires, and lives longer in retirement, the burden on those still working increases. Social Security Administration figures showed that in 2012, the ratio of workers to beneficiaries dropped below 3-to-1 for the first time — the point of stability in the current system — and that ratio is expected to hit 2 workers per retiree by 2030. The cracks are already beginning to show. Earlier this year, Detroit became the largest municipality in history to file for bankruptcy, broken by a weakened economy, spiraling debts and crippling pension commitments to public-sector workers.
What, then, is the future that today's septuagenarians face as they come to the end of their working lives? The notion of retirement is a relatively new invention. A century ago, seven in 10 over-65s in the United Kingdom were working. Today, about two in 10 are. (Similar changes have happened in the United States.) It was the advent of state pensions by the German leader Otto von Bismarck in the 1880s that led to the idea that your twilight years ought to be spent in a state of well-earned idleness rather than working until you dropped. In the century since, life expectancy has soared, but the retirement age has remained doggedly fixed to this 18th-century standard. "When Bismarck introduced the state pension, life expectancy at 65 was 18 months," says Andrew Hilton, director of the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation. "Now it's 23-24 years for men, 27-28 for women." The number of U.S. citizens entering retirement — and the length of time they'll spend as retirees — is unprecedented.
Among other things, the wealth that is bound up in this older generation will stay there, or trickle out slowly over the next few decades. "As longevity increases, people will receive inheritance later, in their 60s, when it's not really useful," says David Sinclair, assistant director of the U.K.'s International Longevity Centre. The knock-on effect of this, he explains, is that elders are opting to transfer their wealth directly to grandchildren, excluding the middle generation entirely. By offloading their accumulated wealth while still alive, not only do retirees avoid paying estate tax, they are able to control how that money is spent, for example, by stipulating the cash gifts be used for a college education. This gives older North Americans a much more prominent role in the upbringing of their grandchildren. In Japan, living funerals, or seizenso, have boomed in popularity, offering elderly relatives a way to manage their exit from family life.
The flipside of this is that there may be much less to inherit. As life expectancy increases, so do living costs and medical bills. Many older people opt to use their homes to pay for these expenses. The equity loans market is booming as homeowners opt to remortgage their houses to generate a reliable stream of income. In the United States, the number of reverse mortgages increased almost tenfold between 2001 and 2011, from 7,800 to 73,000. (It peaked in 2008, at about 112,000.)
For those without homes to remortgage or 401(k)s to rely on, the future is uncertain. "We're not saving enough for social care, and we're not working as long as we need to," says Sinclair. Those aren't uncommon pronouncements, but the sheer scale of the shortfall in retirement funds isn't clarified often enough. Making up the difference would require an "absurd" level of saving, according to Sinclair — in fact, if everyone saved for their retirement judiciously, the entire economy could be at risk of stagnating. There's a risk of a generation living on dog food, he says, as governments embrace quantitative easing to depress interest rates, hammering those retirees living from the proceeds of their savings.
Working out who foots the bill for an aging population is a not a task that government has embraced with any enthusiasm. It will be very difficult for the government to raise the retirement age for those on existing schemes, for both political and legal reasons. However, the transition from working life to retirement is likely to become far less distinct anyway. Over-65s are increasingly volunteering to stay in work, but this brings mixed benefits. At top-tier roles, they may block progression of junior employees all the way down the chain. Retirees who choose to take on low-skill part-time jobs are attractive hires for business owners, but they displace teen-agers from the same positions. (There aren't enough Wal-Mart greeter jobs to go around.) Furthermore, if these retirees are still drawing a pension while they work, it does little to ameliorate the financial burden of those commitments.
Short of throwing open the doors to immigration, there is no quick fix to boost the number of workers in the country. Thus, politicians and society at large must engage far more with what purpose retirement holds. "We shouldn't have people spending 25 years watching TV," says Sinclair. "That is a huge waste." If preretirement life is dominated by the accumulation of wealth, possessions, skills, and social ties, then perhaps post-retirement ought to be presented as a time to share those gains with society, rather than retreating from it. In general, today's over-65s are far fitter and healthier than their parents were at this age, and they're capable of roles that don't fit a typical view of retirement. For some, finding a way to stay solvent in old age will still form their primary motivation. However, those on fixed-benefit pensions are more likely to only engage on their own terms. With career, family, and wealth accumulation behind them, the key may lie in identifying what personal aspirations retirees choose for themselves. Retirees may volunteer in parts of society that are typically underfunded, such as education and child care, or pursue goals without financial motivations, such as music or the arts. As the burden of an aging population on society becomes more evident, however, the existing culture of antipathy toward "shirkers" may well shift to include the indolent elderly. Even America's senior citizens who don't need to work could find themselves pressured into doing so by those footing the bill for their retirement.
Advertisers tend to present only two visions of old age — those in need of nursing homes and 24-hour-a-day care, and the silver foxes climbing mountains. The reality lies somewhere between the two, but greater efforts are needed to accommodate America's aging citizens in the fabric of day-to-day society. By their sheer numbers alone, America's over-65s are destined to be a powerful political, social, and economic force. And if the rest of us hope to make it to our own retirement intact, we need them to be.
Swain is a freelance science writer based in the U.K. He works in print, TV, and radio.
© 2013, Slate

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thursday, April 10, 2008
On The Road - Italy
Chosen for it's natural beauty, various delights and attractions, Italy will be the perfect place to explore in style from the airy open-top of Thomas' version of the legendary Citroën 2CV, as seen in the photo below...
We are also both delighted to be joined on this trip by our good friend Andy 'Kiell' Day, who will be there every step (and leap) of the way to capture the many special moments with his considerable photography skill - as well as teaching us a thing or two around the Dolomites with all his recent climbing experience I'm sure!
Our plan is loosely in place now and with the aid of many generous locals who have already been in contact with us to offer some very kind hospitality, we know it's going to be a very memorable and positive experience.
Above is a rough map of our planned route. Starting in Tours we will navigate anti-clockwise around Italy with the first scheduled stop being Torino, then moving on to Genova, The Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Pisa, Florence, Sienna, Roma, Napoli and Pompei, before heading North again alongside the East coast of Italy.
Once on the East coast our idea is to travel to Vicenza and Verona before exploring the Dolomites and its collection of Via Ferrata, or Iron Roads. These consist of a network of iron ladders and rope bridges secured in to the sides of the mountains and they were first built during World War I to support troop movement throughout the area. I'm particularly excited about this section of the trip as the photographs I've seen from other climbers have been really whetting my appetite and sparking my sense of adventure...
Before or after the Dolomites we will be stopping off at Lago di Garda (Lake Garda) and finally Milano before beginning our journey back to Tours.
Right now our plans are all just that - in the planning stage - and although this is the rough guide we will be following, there will remain an element of flexibility and freedom throughout. Therefore it is very difficult to say right now which days we will be visiting which cities. If you like the idea of our trip and reside in any of the cities or destinations we have mentioned, or if you have any other suggestions for places we might like to visit... feel free to contact either Thomas or I here and we will see what we can do!
Our trip will begin during the end of May, beginning of June time and will finish when it is finished! We don't want to put a strict time limit on this trip but we hope it will take 2-3 weeks to complete.
8 comments:
I want to go = (
- 21:29
- Ben Nuttall said...
Haha sounds awesome! Have a great time!
Ben - 21:56
- Yariko said...
Woah! That will be amazing trip! Just gotta hope Thomas' Citroën can handel it!
I'm already waiting the pictures from the trip..
Well, that's all I can say so far, I hope I can manage a trip like that someday with my friend(s)!
Good luck and so on! - 19:26
- TraceurZeno said...
What a fantastic trip you guys have planned.
I hope the cute wee CV can make it up those hills, even though I am sure you two would take turns pushing it.
I look forward in reading about your journey, seeing the pics and hopefully some awesome footage.
Life is a challenge and adventure, great to see you guys taking it the extra mile.
Take Care!
Zeno - 13:36
hello master blane..just askin permission to translate an article written by you, the "dilution"..the article is going to be translated to the Indonesian language to be posted on the coming parkour indonesia's website on the "important article section".
please mail me at email@example.com
or message me at parkour.net username: emon
we will begin translating once we have your permission.
thanks - 11:37
- Chris 'Blane' Rowat said...
Thanks for your support guys!
I'll send you an email emon but it's no problem to translate my article. :-)
Hey, whatsup?
My name's Channy and I'm a 14 yr old living in rural USA. I've been following parkour for a few years now but each year my parents told me that I couldn't pursue this because it is too dangerous. Now that I'm 14 and still devoted they have agreed to let me start because they've now figured out that I'm not going to stop trying.
I was just wondering if there were any basicc strength training excercises that you could send me that I could just do on my own for a while before I go deeper into technique based training (or if it was combined that would be cool too). I'm all in and I was just wondering if you could help me.
Please and Thanks,
P.S.: I like your blog. Trip sounds awesome. - 17:24
This looks amazing. I would love to go. Keep up the good work!
- 15:31


text:
Privacy Policy and Procedures Guide
Note: The information on this page is intended to inform members of the public of GSA's privacy policies and practices as they apply to GSA employees, contractors, and clients.
- Purpose of Guide
- Definition of Terms
- Privacy Act Program Responsibilities
- Policy Guide
- Procedures Guide
Purpose of This Guide
This guide contains the policies and procedures put in place by GSA to protect the personal information of employees and of other individuals on whom GSA maintains systems of records under the Privacy Act. All GSA systems of records from which information is retrieved by name or a personal identifier, such as the Social Security Number (SSN), are covered.
The guide is designed as a source of information and guidance for:
- Individuals who are the subjects of records
- Managers and supervisors who use the records
- System managers who manage Privacy Act systems and the information in the systems
- Vendors and contractors who provide support services for systems containing personal information
- Management officials who have responsibilities for carrying out functions under the Privacy Act
The guide provides information on how individuals can obtain, correct, and control the dissemination of their personal information. It explains the responsibilities of GSA managers and supervisors that relate to their staff's personal information and the responsibilities of the system managers, GSA employees, and vendors or contractors who manage and operate the various systems of records in GSA.
Definition of Terms
The terms in this part are defined to ensure consistency and common understanding when used in a Privacy Act context:
- Agency means Federal Government executive or military departments, corporations, other establishments in the Executive Branch, and regulatory agencies (5 U.S.C. 551(1) and 5 U.S.C. 552a (a)(1)). The Privacy Act applies only to Federal Government agencies. It does not cover State and local government agencies.
- Individual means a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien on whom GSA maintains Privacy Act records. GSA employees are considered "individuals" under the Act and have all the rights specified by the Act.
- Record means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual which contains the individual's name or other personal identifier such as number or symbol, fingerprint, voiceprint, or photograph. The information may relate to education, financial transactions, medical conditions, employment, or criminal history collected in connection with an individual's interaction with GSA.
- System of records means a group of records under GSA's control from which information is retrieved by the name of an individual, or by any number, symbol, or other identifier assigned to that individual.
- System of records notice means a notice published in the Federal Register by GSA for each new or revised system of records. The purpose of the notice is to allow public comment on the system before its implementation.
- Routine use means disclosure of a record for the purpose for which it is intended.
- Request for access means a request by an individual to obtain or review his or her record or the information in the record.
- Disclosure of information means providing a record or the information in a record to someone other than the individual of record.
- Exempt records means records that may not be obtained by an individual because they are exempted under the Privacy Act.
- Solicitation means a request by an officer or employee of GSA for an employee's personal information to be included in a system of records for a specified purpose.
- Program manager means the GSA official who is responsible for a system of records and the information in it. This person is always cited in the Federal Register system of records notice.
- Computer matching is the computerized comparison of information between GSA and an outside source to verify an individual's eligibility for Federal benefits or to recoup delinquent debts.
- Information technology (IT) system (also known as electronic information system) means the equipment and software used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information.
- Information in identifiable form means data within an IT system or online collection that permits the identity of an individual to whom the information applies to be reasonably inferred; information that identifies the individual by name or other unique identifier or by which an individual is identified in conjunction with other data elements such as gender, race, birth date, geographic indicator, and similar personal information. Information permitting the physical or online contacting of a specific individual is considered information in identifiable form.
- Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) means the process for evaluating privacy issues in an electronic information system, including examining the risks and effects of collecting, maintaining, and disseminating information in identifiable form, and identifying and evaluating protections and alternative processes to mitigate the impact to privacy of collecting such information. The process consists of gathering data on privacy issues from a project, identifying and resolving privacy risks, and obtaining approval from agency privacy and security officials. Completion of the PIA process results in the PIA Report.
Privacy Act Program Responsibilities
- Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP)
- GSA Privacy Act Officer
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Heads of Services and Staff Offices (HSSOs) and Regional Administrators (RAs)
- Program Officials
- Program Managers
- System Developers and Designers
- Authorizing Official (AO)
- Office of General Counsel, General Law Division (LG)
- Office of Acquisition Policy
- GSA Forms Management Officer
- Data Integrity Board
- Supervisors and GSA Employees
- Vendors/Contractors
- Deputy Administrator (AD)
Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP:) Has overall responsibility for establishing and overseeing the Privacy Act Program in GSA and for ensuring GSA's compliance with privacy laws, regulations and GSA policy.
- Signs GSA Privacy Act notices for publication for public comment in the Federal Register.
- Reports to OMB and Congress on the establishment or revision of Privacy Act systems.
- Periodically reports to OMB on GSA Privacy Act activities, as required by law and OMB information requests.
- Heads for Full Agency Response Team when responding to large-scale information breaches.
GSA Privacy Act Officer : Is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Privacy Act Program requirements within GSA. Specific responsibilities include:
- Developing and issuing GSA's Privacy Act policy, standards, and procedures
- Assisting in developing new or revised systems of records notices
- Coordinating the concurrence and approval of Privacy Act notices for submission to OMB and Congress
- Submitting for publication in the Federal Register GSA Privacy Act systems of records notices for public comment
- Clearing new and revised systems with OMB and Congress
- Developing and clearing requests for computer matching systems
- Develop and review forms and other data collection instruments for Privacy Act statements
- Liaison with the Office of General Counsel on privacy matters
- Maintaining Privacy Act records and documentation
- Preparing and submitting Privacy Act, Computer Matching, and other reports to OMB as required
- Evaluating Privacy Impact Assessments to ensure they meet Privacy Act requirements
Chief Information Officer (CIO): Responsible for implementing IT security management in GSA, with overall responsibility for the GSA IT Security Program and the IT Capital Planning Program, and for security policy on electronic privacy data. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing security policy for privacy data
- Ensuring review of Privacy Impact Assessments for information security considerations
- Ensuring that Privacy Impact Assessments are part of GSA's System Development Life Cycle Guidance for Information Technology
Heads of Services and Staff Offices (HSSOs) and Regional Administrators (RAs): Responsible for ensuring that the systems of records under their jurisdiction meet the requirements of the Privacy Act and GSA privacy and security policies and procedures. Specific responsibilities include:
- Approving the establishment of new systems of records and the revision of existing systems within their Service, Staff Office, or Region
- Concurring in Privacy Act notices to be submitted to the Federal Register for new and revised systems of records
- Approving their Service, Staff Office, or regional reports on Privacy Act activities upon request by the Privacy Act Officer
- Ensuring that contractors performing services associated with systems of records (such as system development, maintenance, or operation) are subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and security requirements
- Consulting with legal counsel, their program managers, and Privacy Act program officials on the disposition of special cases involving release of information, or on resolving appeals
- Making decisions to deny access to systems of records and notifying the individual of the denial
Program Officials: Responsible for ensuring that the systems of records in their program areas meet the requirements of the Privacy Act and security policy and regulations. Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that the program systems of records are necessary, relevant to the program, and authorized by statute, regulation, or Executive Order
- Identifying the need for and proposing the establishment of new or revised systems of records to accomplish program mission or functions
- Proposing the cancellation of outdated or obsolete systems of records
- Consulting with their HSSO or RA, the General Counsel's office and Privacy Act program officials on the use and release of system information under special conditions or appeals
- Identifying and proposing for exemption the systems that meet nondisclosure criteria under the Privacy Act
- Ensuring that all contractors providing program systems of records services follow Privacy Act and security requirements
- Appointing a program manager for each of their system of records
- Identifying systems requiring Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), coordinating on developing the PIAs, and resolving any privacy issues
Program Managers: Responsible for implementing the requirements described in this guide for their systems of records. Responsibilities include:
- Periodically reviewing their system of records for need, relevance, and purpose for existence, and proposing changes as needed to meet changing circumstances
- Periodically reviewing the information in the system to make sure it's still necessary, relevant, complete, and up-to-date
- For a new or a revised system of records, coordinating with the GSA Privacy Act Officer on preparing a Privacy Act notice for publication in the Federal Register
- Ensuring that an appropriate form or other data collection method is developed for collecting Privacy Act information contains a Privacy Act statement providing the purpose for collecting the information, how it will be used, the authority for collecting the information, its routine uses, and the effect on the individual of not providing the requested information
- Collecting information directly from the individual whenever possible
- Ensuring that the system information is used only for the stated purpose
- Establishing appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure security and confidentiality of records
- Providing access to individuals who request it according to established procedures
- Maintaining an accounting of disclosures of information
- Informing individuals of information disclosure
- Amending records where appropriate, informing any recipients of former records of any changes, and maintaining a record of these activities
- Working with the program officials and the system developer on the system's privacy issues, preparing a PIA report if needed, obtaining the Program Manager's approval of the PIA report, and submitting the PIA report to CHCO and OCIO officials for review and approval
- Serving as the point of contact for the system
System Developers/Designers: Responsible for ensuring that the system design and specifications conform to privacy standards and requirements and that technical controls are in place for safeguarding personal information from unauthorized access. Responsibilities include establishing system protection controls (e.g., access, retrieval, storage, user restrictions).
Authorizing Official (AO): Each Service, Staff Office, and Region has a DAA whose primary responsibility is to ensure the security of IT systems. Additionally, the DAAs are responsible for reviewing and approving Privacy Impact Assessments in their organizations, and for ensuring that IT systems that handle privacy data meet the privacy and security requirements of the Privacy Act and IT information security laws and regulations.
Office of General Counsel, General Law Division (LG): Responsible for providing legal advice and assistance on Privacy Act matters and GSA systems of records. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting program and system managers to determine the applicable statute or regulation for a new or revised system of records
- Reviewing the Privacy Act notice for applicable legal citations, routine uses, and other legal aspects of establishing or revising the system
- Approving each notice for publication
- Advising management on appropriate actions involving GSA systems of records, including release of information, appropriate use of information, and appeals
- Providing legal opinions on all Privacy Act issues as needed
Office of Acquisition Policy: Responsible for developing, coordinating, and obtaining the required public comments and clearance, under Executive Order 12866, on Privacy Act contracting coverage drafted beyond the current FAR clauses.
GSA Forms Management Officer: Responsible for providing advice and assistance on designing forms for collecting system of records information.
Data Integrity Board: Responsible for reviewing and approving all computer matching programs and activities. Specific responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and approving all proposed written agreements with other Federal or non-Federal agencies to establish a computer matching programs
- Ensuring that all matching programs in which GSA participates, either as a recipient or a source of information, meet applicable laws and regulations
- Annually assessing the costs and benefits of computer matching programs
- Annually assessing the continued justification for any computer matching program
- Approving an annual report to OMB describing GSA's computer matching activities
Supervisors and GSA Employees: Responsible for ensuring that the personal information they use in carrying out their official duties is protected according to Privacy Act and security requirements.
Vendors/Contractors: GSA vendors and contractors are subject to the same laws and regulations as Federal employees and are therefore responsible for ensuring the privacy and security of systems they design, develop, maintain, operate, or use and for system data. They are accountable for any violation that may occur due to oversight or negligence and may be subject to civil or criminal penalties under the Privacy Act.
Deputy Administrator (AD): Makes final determinations on administrative appeals for access to a record and for amendments to records based on information provided by the GSA Privacy Act Officer.
GSA Privacy Act Program Policy Guide
Policy Guide Contents
- Disclosure of Information
- Accounting of Disclosures
- Collection and Use of Information
- Solicitation of Information
- Collection of Social Security Numbers
- Information Accuracy
- Standards of Conduct
- Safeguarding Information
- Other Agencies' Records
- Conflicting Directives
- Computer Matching
Disclosure of Information: No information contained in a Privacy Act system of records may be disclosed to anyone other than the individual of record without the written consent of that individual, except when specifically allowed under the Privacy Act.
Disclosures that are allowed under the Privacy Act include:
- To GSA officials and employees in the performance of their official duties
- Under the Freedom of Information Act, where applicable
- For routine uses cited in the system of records Federal Register notice
to the Bureau of the Census for statistical purposes and only if the record is unidentifiable by individual - To the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) when the record warrants permanent retention because of historical or other national value as determined by NARA
to law enforcement agencies in civil or criminal cases - In emergencies affecting an individual's health or safety
- To Congress or its staff when the record material falls within Congressional jurisdiction or oversight
- To the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in the performance of its duties
- Under a court order
- To a consumer reporting agency if specifically authorized by law
Accounting of Disclosures: The system manager must keep a record of any disclosure of personal information from a Privacy Act covered system for five years or for the life of the record, whichever is longer, except when no accounting of disclosure is needed as noted below.
Note: No accounting of disclosures is needed when the disclosure is:
- To GSA officials or employees in the performance of their official duties
- Required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- Required for law enforcement purposes
- The system of records is exempted from disclosure in the Federal Register notice
Collection and Use of Information: Personal information used to determine employee rights, benefits, and privileges must be collected directly from the individual of record whenever possible, and used only for the purpose for which it is intended. If the information needs to come from a third party, the individual's written permission is required.
Solicitation of Information: When soliciting personal information from an individual or a third party, the system manager must include the following information on the data collection form or other data collection instrument:
- The legal or regulatory authority for collecting the information
- Whether furnishing the information is voluntary or mandatory
- The purpose for which the information will be used
- The routine uses of the information
- The effect on the individual of not providing the information
Collection of Social Security Numbers: Statutory authority must exist for collecting Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for record systems that use the SSN for identification purposes. SSNs will not be collected for systems without this specific authority.
Also, SSNs will not be collected for systems that were established under a statutory authority in effect before January 1, 1975. Systems that were established before January 1, 1975, must be revised to avoid the collection and use of the SSNs.
Information Accuracy: Personal information provided by individuals must be accurate and complete.
System managers must ensure that the information in the system is relevant, necessary, and timely.
Standards of Conduct on Personal Information: GSA employees have a duty to protect the security of personal information by:
- Ensuring the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness of records
- Avoiding any unauthorized disclosure, verbal or written, of records
- Ensuring that no system of records is maintained without a Federal Register notice
- Not collecting personal information unless authorized
- Collecting only the information needed to perform an authorized agency function
- Collecting information directly from the individual whenever possible
- Maintaining and using records with care to prevent any inadvertent disclosure of information
Safeguarding Information: System managers must establish physical, administrative, and technical safeguards for their systems of records. The safeguards must ensure the security and confidentiality of records, protect against possible threats or hazards, and permit access only to authorized persons.
Paper records will be placed in secured locations. Electronic systems will use passwords, identity verification, detection of break-in attempts, firewalls, encryption, and/or other security measures determined to be appropriate by the responsible system and program managers.
Other Agencies' Records: Where GSA has either permanent or temporary custody of other agencies' records, system managers will coordinate with those agencies on any release or disclosure of information.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) records that are in GSA's custody will be handled according to OPM's rules and procedures.
Conflicting Directives: GSA officials and managers must ensure that no directives under their jurisdiction conflict with Privacy Act provisions. The policies and procedures presented in this guide take precedence over any other directives that may conflict with these policies and procedures.
Computer Matching: In the event GSA needs to establish computer matching programs or agreements to share system of records information with other Federal or non-Federal agencies, a Data Integrity Board will be created to review and approve such programs and agreements.
GSA Privacy Act Program Procedures Guide
Procedures Guide Contents
- Accessing Your Records
- Fees
- Medical Records
- Handling Law Enforcement and Security Records
- Denial of Access to Records
- Appeals
- Amending Records
- Routine Uses and Disclosures
- Accounting for Disclosed Records
- Establishing or Revising Systems of Records
- Establishing Matching Agreements
Accessing Your Records
Who has your records? Generally, the program manager is the person you need to contact to get access to a record. The name and address of the program (system) manager is provided in the Privacy Act notice that is published in the Federal Register for each new system of records that GSA establishes. In cases where records are dispersed by region or office, this information also is provided in the Privacy Act notice.
How do you get access to your records? You can request access in person or in writing.
If you appear in person, you should identify yourself using a photographic identification such as an agency ID badge, a passport, or a driver's license. Records will be available during business hours at the offices where records are located. You will be able to examine the record and get a copy of it on request. If you want someone else to accompany you when you are reviewing a record, you will be asked to sign a statement authorizing disclosure of your record to that person, and the statement will be kept with your record.
If you request your record in writing, mark both the envelope and the request letter "Privacy Act Request" and send it to the system manager or the official named in the Federal Register notice. Include in the letter:
- Your full name and address;
- A description of the records you want;
- The title and number of the system of records as published in the Federal Register;
- A brief description of the nature, time, and place of your association with GSA; and
any other information that you believe will help in locating the record.
Can parents or guardians get access to records? Yes, if you are the parent or guardian of a minor or of an individual who is determined to be incompetent by a court. In addition to properly identifying yourself and providing the information described above, you will need to provide:
- A copy of the birth certificate, or a court order establishing guardianship, of the person whose record you want; and
- Sufficient information about that person to adequately identify him or her (name, age, Social Security Number, etc.).
How long will it take to get your record?
- If you show up in person and the record is available, you will get it immediately.
- If the record cannot be located when you show up in person, or if your request is in writing, the record will be provided to you by the system manager within 10 working days after receipt of your request.
What if there's a delay?
- If a delay of more than 10 days is expected in locating your record, the system manager must notify you in writing the reason for the delay and the date when the record will be available.
- If the system manager needs additional information to locate your record, he or she may ask you for it. The system manager will then have an additional 10 workdays after receipt of the new information to provide your record to you.
Are there any fees for record copies? GSA employees will not be charged for copying a record of 50 pages or less. In other cases:
- No fee will be charged to anyone for a reproduction cost under $25.
- There will be a charge of 10 cents per page for paper copies when the reproduction cost exceeds $125.
- For materials other than paper copies the fee is the actual cost of reproduction if its over $25
Do these fees apply in every case? The system manager may waive fees above these amounts when he or she determines that providing the records is in the public interest, or when it's customary to do so.
How do you make your payment? The system manager will notify you of the charges. You may be asked to pay a portion of your fee in advance if your fees are estimated to be over $250. Any additional amount will be due when you receive your records. Any overpayment will be returned to you. Your payment should be made by check or money order payable to the General Services Administration. Send your payment to the system manager.
Do any special conditions apply to release of medical records? Yes, medical records that may adversely affect an individual will be released only to a physician designated by the individual. The designated physician will determine how to handle disclosure of the information to the individual of record.
What about medical records in official personnel folders? These records belong to the Office of Personnel Management and requests will be referred there for a response.
Law Enforcement and Security Records
Are there personal records that you can't access? Yes, you generally won't be given access to law enforcement and security records. The Privacy Act specifically exempts these records from access by individuals. These records consist of information that is maintained for the enforcement of criminal laws, such as for controlling crime and apprehending criminals, and in the activities of prosecutors, courts, correctional, probation, pardon, or parole authorities.
Which GSA systems of records are exempt? GSA has specifically exempted systems of records from access by individuals that are created and maintained as part of the law enforcement duties and responsibilities of the Federal Protective Service, the Office of Inspector General, and others. These systems are:
- Investigation Case Files
- Internal Evaluation Case Files
- Security Files
Under what conditions will you be denied access to records? You will be denied access to the systems of records that GSA has specifically exempted under the Privacy Act. These systems consist of law enforcement and security records.
Who has the authority to deny access? The Head of Service or Staff Office or the Regional Administrator whose system contains the records may deny access after consultation with legal counsel, the system manager, and other officials.
How will you be denied access? You will receive a written notification explaining the reason for the denial along with an explanation of your appeal rights.
Can you appeal a denial of access to a record? Yes, you may file an administrative appeal within 30 days after you receive a denial.
How do you file an administrative appeal? Write to the GSA Privacy Act Officer stating that you are filing an administrative appeal. Include the reasons for your appeal and any other pertinent information that would be needed for a review of the denial.
Send your appeal to: GSA Privacy Act Officer (ISP)
General Services Administration
1800 F St., NW
Washington, DC 20405
Mark both the envelope and the appeal letter:
"Privacy Act Appeal"
How is an appeal handled? On receiving a denial of access appeal, the GSA Privacy Act Officer consults with the system manager, legal counsel, the program manager, and other officials as necessary. To arrive at decision on whether or not your request may be granted under the applicable laws and regulations. Depending on the decision, the appeal goes through one of the following processes:
Decision to uphold appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer notifies you of the decision in writing and arranges for access to the record.
Decision to reject appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer refers your appeal to the Deputy Administrator for a final administrative determination.
Administrative decision to uphold appeal. If the Deputy Administrator decides to grant your request, the GSA Privacy Officer notifies you of the decision in writing and arranges for access to the record within 30 days of your appeal.
Administrative decision to reject appeal. If the Deputy Administrator rejects your appeal, you are notified in writing of the reasons for the decision and of your right to a court review within 30 days of your appeal.
Court review. You may file a civil action to have the administrative decision overturned within 2 years after the decision is made. You may file in a Federal District Court where you live or have a principal place of business, where the records are maintained, or in the District of Columbia.
Can you amend your records? Yes, you may amend a record that you believe is incomplete or incorrect, but there are exceptions.
What are the exceptions? Under the law, you can't amend the following records:
- Transcripts of testimony given under oath, or written statements made under oath
- Transcripts of grand jury, judicial, or quasi-judicial proceedings that constitute the official record
- Pre-sentence reports that are within a system of records but are the property of the courts
- Records exempted from amendment by agency notice in the Federal Register
How do you amend a record? Send a written request to the appropriate system manager stating that you want to amend your record.
- Include in your request the correct information along with any evidence or justification for amendment, as needed.
- Mark the letter and the envelope "Privacy Act request to amend record."
Who decides whether it's appropriate to amend your record? The system manager, in consultation with other officials (legal counsel, program officials, the GSA Privacy Act Officer) as needed, will determine whether to amend your record based on a comparison of the existing record with the amendment you propose for accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness, and for compliance with the law.
How will you know whether your record has been amended? Within 10 workdays after receiving your request, the system manager will let you know in writing whether your proposed amendment has been approved.
If there's an expected delay in making a decision, the system manager will acknowledge the receipt of your request in writing and provide you with an estimated date for the decision.
Depending on the decision, the system manager will do the following:
Request approved: The system manager will amend your record and send an amended copy to you and to anyone who has previously received the record. The system manager will keep a record of the amendment with your system record.
Request denied: The system manager will let you know in writing the reason for denial, provide an alternative amendment for your consideration when possible, and inform you of your appeal rights.
What are your choices if your request is denied?
Choice 1. You may agree to the alternative amendment if one is proposed by the system manager, in which case:
- Write to the system manager stating that you agree to use the alternative amendment.
- The system manager will amend your record and send a copy to you and to anyone else who previously had received your old record.
Choice 2. You may file an appeal. If you choose to file an appeal, within 30 workdays of the denial, write to the GSA Privacy Act Officer giving your reasons for the appeal.
Send your appeal to:
GSA Privacy Act Officer (ISP)
General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20405
Mark the appeal letter and the envelope:
"Privacy Act Amendment Appeal"
How will your appeal be handled? On receiving your appeal, the GSA Privacy Act Officer will consult with the system manager, legal counsel, the program manager, and other officials as needed, and a decision will be made on whether or not your request will be granted under the applicable laws and regulations. Depending on the decision, the appeal goes through the following process:
Decision to uphold appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer will notify you of the decision in writing and arrange for amending your record.
Decision to reject appeal. The GSA Privacy Act Officer will refer your appeal to the Deputy Administrator for a final administrative determination within 30 days of the receipt of your appeal. The Deputy Administrator may extend the time limit for the decision beyond 30 days, if needed, by notifying you in writing of the reason for any delay.
Administrative decision to uphold appeal. If the Deputy Administrator decides to grant your amendment request, the GSA Privacy Officer will notify you of the decision to amend your record in writing within 30 days of your appeal, and the system manager will amend your record and send a copy to you and anyone else who previously had received a copy.
Administrative decision to reject appeal. If the Deputy Administrator rejects your appeal, within 30 days of your appeal you will be notified in writing of the reasons for the decision, your right to a court review, and your right to file a statement of disagreement.
Statement of disagreement. You may file a statement of disagreement with the system manager within 30 days of the denial to amend your record. In the statement of disagreement include an explanation of why you believe the record to be inaccurate, irrelevant, out of date, or incomplete. The manager will file the statement with your record, provide a copy to anyone who previously had received the record, and include it in any future disclosures.
Court review. You may file a civil action within 2 years of the denial to have the administrative decision overturned. You may file in a Federal District Court where you live or have a principal place of business, where the records are maintained, or in the District of Columbia.
What is a routine use? It's the sharing of information for the purpose for which it's collected as spelled out in the Privacy Act notice for each system of records.
What are GSA's standard routine uses? GSA has identified certain standard routine uses for its systems of records. GSA may disclose system information as a routine use:
- To GSA employees in the performance of their official duties
- In any legal proceeding, where pertinent, to which GSA is a party before a court or administrative body
- To authorized officials engaged in investigating or settling a grievance, complaint, or appeal filed by an individual who is the subject of the record
- To a Federal agency in connection with the hiring or retention of an employee; the issuance of a security clearance; the reporting of an investigation; the letting of a contract; or the issuance of a grant, license, or other benefit to the extent that the information is relevant and necessary to a decision
- To the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) when the information is required for program evaluation purposes
- To a member of Congress or staff on behalf of and at the request of the individual who is the subject of the record
- To an expert, consultant, or contractor of GSA in the performance of a Federal duty to which the information is relevant
- To the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for records management purposes
What other routine uses does the Privacy Act permit? The Privacy Act also permits disclosure of information as a routine use in the following cases:
- To the Bureau of the Census for planning and carrying out a census or survey related to the system information
- For statistical research, but only when the information can't be identified by an individual
- When the individual's health or safety is involved
- To the National Archives when it determines a record is of historical value warranting permanent retention
- To a consumer reporting agency as governed by the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966
Accounting for Disclosed Records
What is an "accounting of disclosure" record? If a system manager discloses a record as allowed by the Privacy Act, in some cases certain information must be kept on that record. This information is the "accounting of disclosure" record.
Who keeps the accounting of disclosure record? The system manager maintains an account of a disclosure of information from the system he or she manages, when required to do so.
What information is kept on a disclosure? The system manager keeps the following information on the disclosed record:
- Name of person or agency to whom the record has been provided
- Date information was provided
- Type of information provided
- Reason for the disclosure
- Any needed justification for the disclosure
- Any written consent by the individual of record
Can you get an accounting of disclosure of your records? Yes, except in special circumstances, as follows:
- Certain disclosures don't need an accounting and therefore no accounting of disclosure records are kept. This happens when:
- Disclosures are to GSA employees in the performance of their duties; or
- Disclosures are required to be provided under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
- Disclosures are specifically prohibited, as in the following cases:
- When records are disclosed for law enforcement and security purposes; and
- When GSA specifically exempts a system of records in the Federal Register Privacy Act system notice.
Establishing or Revising Privacy Act Systems of Records in GSA
How is a new GSA system of records established? The establishment of a new Privacy Act system of records generally follows these steps: (Contact the GSA Privacy Act Officer for guidance as needed.)
1. A program manager determines that a new system needs to be established to carry out a program responsibility or improve a process.
2. The program manager prepares a proposal, in the form of a draft Privacy Act system of records notice, to establish the new system of records. The draft notice (see format and sample of notice ) describes and justifies the establishment of the system.
3. The proposal is reviewed and concurred in by the Head of Service or Staff Office and submitted to the GSA Privacy Act Officer.
4. The GSA Privacy Act Officer prepares documentation (including a final system proposal, a report to OMB and the Congress, and a camera ready copy for publication in the Federal Register) for review and concurrence by appropriate GSA officials (program officials, legal counsel, and the Chief Human Capital Officer).
5. After the Chief Human Capital Officer signs off on the proposal, it is submitted to OMB, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for evaluation at least 40 calendar days before the planned system implementation.
6. At least 30 calendar days before the planned system implementation, the proposal is submitted for publication in the Federal Register for public comment.
7. The new system goes into effect 30 calendar days after the notice is published in the Federal Register if no public comments are received or if no changes are needed as a result of any comments. The program manager with responsibility for the system resolves any questions resulting from the comments or makes appropriate changes to the proposal. If changes are made, the proposal is reprocessed as a new proposal.
What's the procedure for revising an existing system of records? The procedure for revising a system of records is the same as for establishing a new system of records if the revision is substantive in nature, such as when there's a change in:
- The types of individuals covered
- The categories of information in the system, or an expansion of categories
- The manner in which the system records are retrieved
- The purpose(s) for which the information is used, or there's a new or revised "routine use" of the information in the system
- The access capability, as when updated software makes it easier to access system information
Establishing Matching Agreements
What is a matching agreement? It's a written document establishing the sharing of personal information among computerized systems of two or more Federal or non-Federal agencies. Generally, the shared information is used to determine the eligibility of individuals for Federal benefit programs or to identify delinquencies on obligations.
Does GSA have any matching agreements? Yes. In May a matching agreement between two GSA Privacy Act systems was established.


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Advanced Search
Virtualization | News
An institution in Lithuania has implemented a new virtualization lab that lets students understand cloud resources by provisioning their own. Vilnius University chose Abiquo from a company of the same name, to outfit the new lab, which is part of the school's Digital Science and Computing Center, built by the department of Mathematics and Informatics. Vilnius U, founded in the 16th century, has about 23,000 students.
The lab set-up is intended to allow students to provision virtual resources across multiple technologies without pulling in university IT staff to help.
"As well as managing the laboratory environment, Abiquo gives our students practical knowledge in the use of advanced cloud technology, broadening their outlook on the latest developments in the IT market, and allowing them to gain a competitive advantage in the labor market both in Lithuania and abroad," said Algimantas Juozapavičius, founder of the Digital Science and Computing Center. The professor, whose research area is computing infrastructure, said the lab chose Abiquo, in particular, because it allows the user to manage virtualization platforms from multiple vendors simultaneously through a single console.
Abiquo's software can be used to build and manage private, public, and hybrid clouds running hypervisors from VMware, Microsoft, Citrix Systems, Oracle VirtualBox, Xen, and KVM.
About the Author
Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.
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A temporary extension to an existing pedestrian bridge will be installed this summer on the Haven Avenue side of the Port Washington station to restore platform access for customers under a solution proposed by the LIRR and agreed to by Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth.
The need to restore Haven Avenue access became necessary following the emergency closing in April of the existing pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge was closed after elements of the concrete structure were deemed unsuitable for regular use and could not be repaired.
"We understand the significant inconvenience that the loss of the Haven Avenue overpass is causing our customers," said LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski. "I am pleased that we've been able to find a temporary solution that we will be able to put in place within a matter of months to better serve customers and the Port Washington community. I would like to thank Supervisor Bosworth, Senator Martins, Assemblywoman Schimel and Councilwoman De Giorgio for their input and cooperation in reaching this agreement."
"I am pleased that LIRR officials listened to the community's concerns and responded with this temporary solution," said Supervisor Bosworth. "It's important that we address the safety and quality of life of our Port Washington commuters and this proposal addresses both."
Town Councilwoman Dina De Georgio said: "I am grateful to the LIRR's President Patrick Nowakowksi and his staff for their quick and practical response. I want to thank Supervisor Judi Bosworth, State Senator Jack Martins and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel as well. It was a true team effort for the benefit of our town."
The temporary structure will be built with modular, pre-fabricated materials and is expected to be fully installed and open in September.
For the long-term remedy, the LIRR is continuing to talk to Town of North Hempstead and community leaders about a plan that would extend two tracks at the Port Washington station and replace the pedestrian bridges as part of a larger project that would improve LIRR service for Port Washington while updating the station and getting it ready for the opening of East Side Access.
Once East Side Access is complete, the LIRR plans to give Port Washington commuters a choice of services, with direct trains to Grand Central Terminal joining continuing direct service to Penn Station. But, in order to do so efficiently, the LIRR needs to be able to store additional trains at Port Washington station so they are in the proper location for the beginning of the morning rush hour. The LIRR is currently working with town officials on the long term plan.


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Image 8-730-9023 | Photo ©David Sanger | United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Mosque minaret with palms, Jumeirah
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License this stock photo of United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Mosque minaret with palms, Jumeirah for publication for editorial and commercial uses including websites, books, magazines, brochures and advertising. Restrictions may apply for images which contain third party copyrighted material or sensitive subjects. Photos of artwork are for editorial use only. Contact the office for details.
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This stock photograph id 8-730-9023 of United Arab Emirates, Dubai is © David Sanger Photography. All RIghts Reserved
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2 New Inventory
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All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above, may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Prices may not include dealer-installed accessories. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle specific information.
*Finance terms shown in the Customize Payments section are provided as an estimate on how credit and down-payment affect a monthly payment. The Customize Payment section does not guarantee specific interest rates, monthly payments, or loan terms are available.
Have we got a car for you! At Don Jacobs Honda, we're proud to sell the Honda brand! Honda is known for its reliability and longevity, and we're obviously big fans of the vehicles we sell. With such a diverse range of vehicles in the Honda lineup, you're sure to find a vehicle that you love. Whether you're looking for a compact sedan like the Civic , a classic like the Accord or a versatile vehicle like the CR-V , we've got you covered. Plus, take advantage of our new car specials to save even more on your next vehicle. And don't forget, Honda offers a 3-Year/300,000-Mile warranty on every new Honda model sold here. Our friendly sales team is looking forward to finding you a vehicle that exceeds your expectations!
When you're ready to buy or lease a new Honda, you can visit our showroom at 2699 Regency Rd., Lexington, KY 40503. Our sales team will help you find the vehicle you've been searching for, and we look forward to serving customers from Frankfort, Berea and Georgetown.


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Airbus just inked its first deal with Japan Airlines on Monday, pledging to deliver 31 new A350 aircraft.
The landmark agreement -- worth as much as $9.5 billion based on list prices -- poses a threat to rival aircraft maker Boeing (BA), which has been the dominant player in the Japanese aviation market.
The new Airbus A350 models, which will go into commercial service next year, are competing directly with the Boeing Dreamliner for orders.
But the Dreamliner has faced a number of setbacks, including a problem with its batteries that grounded the entire fleet earlier this year.
"Airbus is inching into Japan with a competitive offer and it's coming at a time when Boeing is really suffering with its equivalent airliner, the Dreamliner," said Goodbody senior aviation analyst Dónal O'Neill. "It's time for people to consider the A350 because it's a very well regarded aircraft."
Related: Airbus sees global fleet doubling by 2032
This is the first order for A350s from a Japanese airline. O'Neill says it could be the first of many.
"This could be a good stepping stone for Airbus to secure some other sizeable deals in Japan," said O'Neill, explaining that Japan's ANA (ALNPY) might also now consider placing an order for A350s.
In a joint press release, Airbus and Japan Airlines said they expect the A350s will start flying for the airline starting in 2019.
Fabrice Bregier, president and CEO of Airbus, said, "It fills us with pride to see a leading Japanese airline start a new chapter with us."
Some analysts said Japan Airlines may have been tempted into buying Airbus rather than Boeing planes because of heavy discounting.
Sterne Agee analyst Peter Arment said the A350s were probably sold at a discount of more than 50% off list price so Airbus could gain a foothold in Japan.
Related: How much does it cost to rent a private jet?
Last month, Airbus, which is owned by the European aerospace group EADS (EADSF), predicted the number of aircraft worldwide would double over the next 20 years, spurred by rising demand from emerging markets.
Airbus said a swelling middle class and more affordable air travel were among the factors fueling the rise in air traffic, with most of the growth coming out of Asia.


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Oval solitaire with hidden diamond halo and pavé band
Since the Middle Ages, thyme has been seen as a symbol of affection. Including a sprig of thyme in a bouquet denotes a promise of lifelong devotion, so we named this ring Thyme to make it an emblem of a love that lasts. Set in platinum, the Thyme ring features an ultra thin band measuring 1.6mm wide and adorned with shimmering fishtail diamond pavé. This dainty platinum engagement ring has a centre oval diamond held in contemporary eagle claws. In order to best showcase the scintillating oval diamond, this solitaire engagement ring includes a hidden halo wrapping around the basket, bringing an unexpected sparkle when the ring is viewed in profile.
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Around the time I was getting that BBC Audio Drama Award, I received a comment on this blog from Wendy of Good Books for Young Souls telling me that she had honoured me with a LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD.
The word 'Liebster' is German for 'beloved' and this award is given by bloggers to bloggers of blogs with fewer than 200 followers in recognition of the fact that their blogs are enjoyed (even 'beloved') and in the hope that this added recognition will lead to their being read and followed by many more people.
The rules are simple: you don't have to accept the award, but if you do, you are asked to thank the blogger who nominated you and nominate five of your own favourite blogs.
Even though I have kept to blogs (as opposed to websites) this wasn't easy because (as you will see from the side-bar on the right) I follow a great many blogs... Anyway, here are five diverse blogs that are well worth a look...
1 Attempted Bloggery
2 Pencil Notes
3 Kevin Kidney
4 Gifts and Dreams
5 It's Always Something...
I hope you enjoy them even a little bit as much as I do...


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Magento Execute Stored Procedures Configuration
Version 23.2.8630
Magento Execute Stored Procedures Configuration
Version 23.2.8630
The Execute Stored Procedures action treats data coming into the Magento connector as input for stored procedures. The connector executes the stored procedure that you choose, then passes the result down the flow (if applicable).
Follow these steps to configure a stored procedure:
Select a stored procedure from the drop-down menu. The available stored procedures depend on the connector and cannot be customized from CData Arc.
Click Show Sample Data to open the Stored Procedure Inputs modal.
Enter the requested information and click Execute.
The Preview XML Output modal opens. Click Save Sample Data to make the data accessible to other connectors.
You can connect the Magento connector to an XML Map connector. The results of the Execute Stored Procedure appear as inputs under the Source tree.


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Wheelchair for Dogs Is the Cutest Thing Ever [VIDEO]
While there are wheeled contraptions available to give mobility to handicapped pets, the Amigo — a new wheelchair from industrial designer Nia Shalom — is specially optimized for the way pups move.
Shalom, after some exhaustive research into the physiology of dogs, created a harness that specifically contours to the animal's body and takes into consideration their needs.
As seen in the video, the designer's friend's dog Amy has no problem adapting to the Amigo and moves with the vivacity of a puppy. It's just about the cutest thing on two legs and two wheels.
The Amigo isn't available in stores yet, but, says Fast Co. Design, is "well on its way to becoming a reality."
[via Fast Co. Design]


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Latest Kinergy ECO2 K435 tyre prices
About the Hankook Kinergy ECO2 K435
Type: Summer tyre
Class: Medium—highest performance at a reliable price
Intended use: Small and medium-sized passenger cars.
Tread: Asymmetrical—the tread is divided into 2 zones to ensure driving safety in any conditions
Sizes: From 13 to 16 inches
Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 K435 is the best choice for drivers of compact and mid-size cars, who care about the environment. This is the successor of the model that was very well received by automotive enthusiasts and obtained very good results in tests organised by independent motoring organisations. Maintaining the excellent performance of its predecessor, Hankook engineers and designers created Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 K435.
Why is Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 K435 a good choice?
Wide tread blocks—modern tread shape and adequate width of tyre components provide protection against aquaplaning.
Asymmetrical tread—divided into two parts ensures good grip on all surfaces and in all weather conditions.
Improved rubber blend—provides shorter braking distance when driving in the wet, while maintaining excellent durability.
Wide grooves—elongated grooves with extra space, which has no negative impact on the grip, but which evacuates water more efficiently.
Innovative incisions on tread pads—remove water in two directions simultaneously.
Tread structure—the system of incisions and pads is designed to reduce noise generated by the tyre.
Ecological and economical—low rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption, contributing to the user's savings and lower exhaust emissions.
If you want a tyre excellent for city driving and longer trips, then Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 K435 is the product for you.
Price history of Kinergy ECO2 K435
A graph showing the historic prices that we have seen at CompareTyres for this exact tyre model and size.


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I want to thank all these magnificent crafters for bringing beauty, happiness and inspiration into our worlds with their small pieces of art. Thank you ladies!
Wow, amazing distressing by Natasha
Love these shiny leaves, also by Natasha
Such a pretty softness to this card by Nicky
Fabulous design by Pia
Another gorgeous card by Pia
Love the contrast of colours on this card by popsicletoes
A true beauty by Suzz
Tami's winter scene is wonderful
Gorgeous card by Tomo
Love the fresh and happy feel of this card by Virginia
I hope you enjoyed visiting my favourites of the year and I hope they will inspire you to create beautiful crafty projects!
Happy New Year everyone!


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LOS ANGELES -- It's been a long time in the making, and there's plenty more work to be done over the regular season's final 18 games. But for the first time all year, the Lakers can look at the standings and see themselves as an official part of the playoff picture after Sunday's 90-81 win over the Bulls at Staples Center.
The Lakers are now 33-31 on the season, and sit in the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings, a half-game ahead of the Utah Jazz.
In Friday night's win over the Raptors, the Lakers needed several shots that were both miraculous and heroic from Kobe Bryant down the stretch to come back and get the overtime victory. They didn't need much from him offensively in this one, however, thanks to a balanced attack and a strong third quarter from Steve Nash, who scored 10 of his 16 points in the period.
Bryant didn't even reach double figures in scoring until he hit a three-pointer with 4:52 remaining in the third quarter, which pushed the Lakers lead to 15. He finished with a team-high 19 points, to go along with seven rebounds and nine assists, while five of his teammates finished in double digits.
The Bulls are not known for their offense, and struggled to score in this one. Chicago shot a dismal 37.1 percent from the field, and went just 4-16 from three-point distance. But the defensive effort from the Lakers was stronger than usual, led by an increasingly more active Dwight Howard, whose 21 rebounds helped L.A. dominate the Bulls on the glass for most of the contest.
Chicago was able to cut a lead that once reached 18 points down to eight with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth, but the Lakers responded by scoring the next five points, while holding the Bulls scoreless for the next three and a half minutes.
More important than this single game victory and the temporary playoff position that it earned the Lakers is the improved chemistry the team is showing on the court. The communication was constant in this one defensively, with players giving their all on loose ball and rebound opportunities, while the body language overall was genuinely positive. The change from the way these guys interacted with each other in the opening months of the season is both noticeable and substantial.
That doesn't mean there weren't some bumps along the way -- Bryant was furious with Metta World Peace at the end of the first half, after he committed an offensive foul while Bryant was dribbling down the clock to get off a final shot. He yelled at Metta as the two walked back down the floor, but all was forgiven later when Bryant was seen with his arm around his teammate on the bench early in the fourth.
The extent of how much Howard can improve from a health standpoint as the Lakers close out the regular season, along with the amount of chemistry the team can continue to build during that time will largely determine its postseason fate.
Winning can cure a lot of issues, and certainly helps the team-building a lot more than it hurts. At least after Sunday's victory, L.A. can now, if only briefly, officially see itself as part of the playoff picture.


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Fujifilm EF-X500 Flash
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The EF-X500 is a hot-shoe mount flash with the maximum guide number of approx. 50 (ISO100·m) / 164 (ISO100·ft). Its support for the FP mode (high-speed flash sync) means the flash can be fired at any shutter speed. This means you can concentrate on shooting when a faster shutter speed is required, for example, in order to use a near-maximum aperture to produce beautiful bokeh. EF-X500 also supports multi-flash lighting. Set up multiple flashes to freely control light on a subject and background for a creative result. TTL lighting control is available with single flash and also in the multi-flash setup, so that you can start shooting without having to make cumbersome adjustments to light output.


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Building a Bullpen
Image courtesy of Voltron Central |
I'm not exactly sure how one builds a bullpen from the ground up, but I've always envisioned it as a process similar to constructing Voltron (or Megazord for the Power Rangers generation).
Separately, the members all have their very own strengths and weakness, but when they come together as one entity, they form a solid cohesive unit. One that's able to defeat the evildoers of the American League East. That's how you construct a bullpen, right?
On paper, the latest addition to the bullpen in Francisco Cordero doesn't really make very much sense. The Blue Jays already have their closer and a bevy of relievers in the bullpen depth chart.
Occasionally, plans change and you have to roll with the punches. That's why it seems like Francisco Cordero seems like the Blue Jays second choice after Koji Uehara rejected a trade to the Blue Jays.
Both Cordero and Uehara are set to make $4 million this season, but Koji would be the far more coveted asset. Things didn't turn out how AA wanted, so he went with then next best thing in Cordero.
Prior to this news, one would have assumed the Blue Jays bullpen was all but set for the 2012 season. Santos, Janssen, Oliver, Frasor, Villanueva, Litsch, and Perez were slated to be the seven guys that would break camp coming out of Spring Training. Just as plans changed, the Blue Jays changed with it.
From the outside looking in, it might appear as though the Blue Jays were trying to assemble a bullpen for a contending team. But I think Alex Anthopoulos has an ulterior motive here. He's trying to stockpile relievers and parlay them into prospects at the trade deadline.
The new CBA basically rained on AA's parade and now he has to change his entire game plan. Instead of hoping for Type B free agent compensation, he'll be looking to poach prospects from other teams who will be looking for bullpen help come July. Employing the "buy low, sell high" strategy is actually a pretty good strategy.
Relief pitchers seem to be the hot commodity at the trade deadline these past few seasons, and AA can really capitalize on that by signing Francisco Cordero, Darren Oliver, and others. Come July, I'm sure there will be at least a few managers that will be knocking down his door trying to pry them out of Toronto.
It just doesn't make sense to sign Francisco Cordero for one year (with no option, mind you) if the team is planning on having him ride out the entire season as a member of the Blue Jays. Any one else could just as easily step in and do the same job for far less money.
Now that leaves Jesse Litsch and Luis Perez to battle for the final spot in the bullpen, and I initially thought they easily would've been shoo-ins. Along with Joel Carreno and others, one of either Litsch or Perez will be on the outside looking in come Opening Day.
If the 2011 trade deadline is proof of anything, it's that the Blue Jays are not afraid to deplete the bullpen and leave themselves short-handed in the long-term if it allows them to acquire the talent that allows them to be better in the long term.
In its current incarnation, this is a bullpen that's built to win. It's a relief corp that is constructed to be a contender, but it's not a bullpen that's meant to stay together. Some of these guys are going to be moved at the trade deadline.


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Black Veil Brides solve their fans' problems
Black Veil Brides' Andy Biersack and Ashley Purdy sat down with O2 Academy TV before their gig at O2 Academy Brixton to solve some of their fans' problems.
From Andley Fan Fiction to staying true to yourself, find out what wise words they had to share with the BVB army.
For the latest from Black Veil Brides follow them on facebook:
Buy Black Veil Brides 'Black Veil Brides IV':
For upcoming gigs at the O2 Academy Brixton:
For more exclusive live videos and interviews, don't forget to subscribe to O2 Academy TV here: http://www.youtube.com/o2academytv


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Allegro CL |
ANSI Common Lisp 2 Syntax 2.3 Interpretation of Tokens
2.3.5 Valid Patterns for TokensThe valid patterns for tokens are summarized in the next figure.
Note that nnnnn has number syntax, neither xxxxx nor ppppp has number syntax, and aaaaa has any syntax. A summary of rules concerning package markers follows. In each case, examples are offered to illustrate the case; for presentational simplicity, the examples assume that the readtable case of the current readtable is :upcase.
For example, assuming the readtable case of the current readtable is :upcase, editor:buffer refers to the external symbol named BUFFER present in the package named editor, regardless of whether there is a symbol named BUFFER in the current package. If there is no package named editor, or if no symbol named BUFFER is present in editor, or if BUFFER is not exported by editor, the reader signals a correctable error. If editor::buffer is seen, the effect is exactly the same as reading buffer with the editor package being the current package. |


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Lenses for DSLR
Favoured by those wanting to carry a single lens on location, this lens delivers stunning image quality with advanced image stabilisation.
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is a standard zoom lens that goes just that little bit further, whether you're shooting photography or video. This lens is ideal for when you need to capture exceptional image quality, while travelling light.
See full specificationPhotograph sweeping views from hillsides and seascapes to city landmarks and urban landscapes.
Perfect for capturing expressions on faces, ideal for weddings, events and parties.
Travel photography isn't just for globetrotters, sightseeing and spur of the moment breaks are all memories to treasure.
Specialised lens elements help you to enjoy high image quality right across the zoom range, by minimizing visible distortion. The integrated advanced Air Sphere Coating helps to guard against flare and ghosting when shooting in environments with unpredictable natural light.
Image Stabilizer combats the blurring effects of camera shake, so you can shoot up to 4 stops slower than normal.
The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is just as useful for video as it is for still photography, offering focal lengths in a compact package that are ideal for a variety of subjects. Advanced autofocus allows for smooth, professional-looking, near-silent focus transitions and continuous focus tracking, with full-time manual override.
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM features a revised optical design compared to its predecessor, for improved resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range.
A newly designed Image Stabilizer unit, gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed 4 stops faster, compared to the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM's 2.5 stops.
Our lens selector will take you through our range of lenses and help you find the perfect match for you and your EOS camera.
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Lenses for DSLR
Lenses for DSLR
Lenses for DSLR


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
While improvements to property can cause the value to change considerably, economic influences probably affect value more. The assessor studies the real estate market very closely each year. When properties sell for more each year, the assessor is required to adjust the values accordingly. Estimated market values can also be decreased if the real estate market shows sale prices are going down.
Show All Answers
A simple definition of market value is the most probable price a property would sell for in today's market. The sale must be an arms-length transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller.
Sales of real estate are the primary guide to the county's mass appraisal system. Winona County uses a computerized mass appraisal system that uses the sales and the property characteristics that are unique to each parcel to arrive at a market value. Major property characteristics used to determine value on homes include the square footage, number of bathrooms, number of bedrooms, age and condition, basement finish, garage size, the presence of a fireplace, and the value of the land.
State law requires assessors to value property at market value. Because it is statistically impossible to value at market value, state standards require assessors to value property between 90 and 105 percent of market value. This measure is based on the total number of sales, not just on an individual sale.
Generally, improvements that increase the sale price of a property will also increase the assessor's market value. The following are typical improvements that will increase the assessor's value of a property:
Good maintenance will help retain the market value of a property. Generally, the estimated market value of a property will not be increased for minor repairs such as those that follow. However, a combination of these items could result in an increase in the market value of a home:
The best method is to contact the county assessor's office. A staff member will listen to your concerns and explain the way your property has been valued. The best time to do this is after you receive your Notice of Valuation, which is usually in late March. Often you may be asked to allow an inspection of the property. If you still disagree with the value after this meeting, there are formal appeal meetings held in April of each year.
There are two necessary elements needed to receive homestead treatment. The property must be owned and occupied as the principal place of residence by the owner or a qualifying relative of the owner. A person or married couple is allowed only one homestead except in very specific situations. The ownership and occupancy requirements must be met by December 1 of the year preceding when taxes are payable. All new homesteads must make application by December 15. Downloadable forms for regular or relative homestead are available on the Assessor's page.
Not necessarily. Many factors go into determining how much property taxes change from year to year. The items include spending habits of local governments, school bonds for either building or operating expenses, changes made by the legislature in the state property tax system, the amount of new construction within the county, and a change in property value or classification. A change in any of these can result in tax increases.


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SIU Freshmen Will Get Dell Windows 8 Tablets
Southern Illinois University's plan to provide tablets will kick off with the next freshman class. iPads were deemed too expensive and harder to manage, CIO says.
March 19, 2013
12 Open Educational Resources: From Khan to MIT
12 Open Educational Resources: From Khan to MIT(click image for slideshow)
Freshmen arriving on campus for the fall term at Southern Illinois University will collect a Windows 8 tablet along with their course and dorm assignments.
As part of SIU's Mobile Dawg initiative, they will be issued Dell Latitude 10 tablets, part of a long-term plan to provide tablets for every student, one class at a time. The project is being subsidized with a $200,000 grant from Microsoft and Intel and features access to the Internet2 e-textbook portal, providing access to free or inexpensive courseware.
"We see tablets coming in across the nation in the K-12 world," university CIO David Crain said, noting that the Chicago schools from which SIU draws many of its students recently announced a major tablet initiative. Students are going to expect access to the same level of technology when they get to the university level, he said.
Dell recently announced the SIU project as one of several education customer wins for its Windows tablets, mostly in K-12 education.
[ How are teachers using the latest tech to get out from behind the lectern? Read Flexible Classroom Cameras Work With iPad. ]
School districts have more financial incentive to buy tablets than colleges do because in K-12 the cost of a tablet can be balanced against what the school would have spent on electronic textbooks, Crain acknowledged. In higher education, colleges normally don't have textbook expenses because students buy them.
One of the reasons SIU is buying the tablets anyway is that "we're a diverse campus, both economically and socially" where a large percentage of students are relatively low income and often the first in their family to go to college, Crain said. "The economics of affording textbooks is a big deal on our campus."
The program will also be an element in marketing and recruiting for SIU, which is trying to reverse several years of declining enrollment. "Technology is a major reason students choose a university. We had been behind in technology, so this is an effort to catch up," Crain said. The university is also investing in "very high density" wireless networking capacity that "hopefully will buy us a few years" in the race to keep up with the demand for Internet bandwidth, he said.
Although the university's lawyers and business managers are still working out some of the specifics, it's likely that students who pay tuition for four years will get to keep their university-provided tablets, Crain said. Students from outside the freshman class who want to purchase one of the tablets through the university can also do so at a discounted price.
Dell Latitude tablet with docking station.
Why Windows tablets instead of iPads? "We started out with the perspective that it would be nice to give every student an iPad, partly because college students still think iPads are really cool," Crain admits. "But once we started digging into it, we found a number of reasons to go with Windows."
SIU expects to save $3 million or more over the course of the planned four-year program, compared with the difference in hardware, warranty, and support costs of an equivalent program based on iPads. That's a rough estimate because SIU "could never get to an apples-to-apples comparison, pardon the pun" because of differences in the warranty programs, Crain said.
Also, the Latitude tablets can be managed with tools such as Microsoft System Center, just like any other Windows computer.
Finally, the Dell tablets provided functionality the iPads couldn't match, such as the ability to run tutorial and assessment courseware that is standard at the university and is based on Flash, which is not supported by Apple's iOS mobile operating system. Labs and classrooms can also be equipped with docking stations, allowing the Latitude tablets to be used with a full-size keyboard and mouse.
Follow David F. Carr at @davidfcarr or Google+, along with @IWKEducation.
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Sunday 22 February 2009
Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding
Darian Frey is the captain of the Ketty Jay, a battered old freighter which he keeps running by the skin of his teeth, by accepting jobs on the dubious side of the law and trying not to get into too much trouble. When Frey is offered the chance of a lifetime - an easy theft in return for a massive fortune - he overrides his common sense and accepts the job. When it goes hideously wrong and a lot of people die, Frey realises he has been set up, and must prove his innocence even though he and his crew are now Public Enemy #1. Frey's quest to redeem himself takes him and his crew through multiple aerial dogfights, double-crosses, high society soirees and lowlife gambling dens. At the same time we get to know his crew, from the troubled new navigator harbouring a dark secret to the former aristocrat-turned-demon-summoner to the alcoholic ship's surgeon to the powerful and dangerous metal thing they keep in the hold...
Occasionally a book comes along which takes the concept of fun and turns it up to 11. Retribution Falls is one such book. The story powers along at a relentless, page-turning pace. The characters are a diverse and fascinating bunch and Wooding uses skillful economy in getting into their backstories and motivations quickly and convincingly without bogging the story down in unnecessary detail. The world of Vardia is a fascinating one as well, with its diverse landmasses, the dark, forbidding storms that wrack the planet, and a wide range of cultures and people. There are certainly a tremendous number of concepts introduced in this book that aren't followed up on, leaving open a large number of possibilities for future adventures with this crew.
What makes the book refreshingly different from so many fantasies is the setting and tech-level. Airships are the primary method of transportation and the cavalry charges and duels of traditional epic fantasy are here replaced by frigate broadsides and intense dogfights. The technology of the airships and how they work is depicted convincingly, and the battles are great fun and a nice change of pace for a fantasy novel.
As I said before, the book is 'FUN' but at the same time it is not lightweight. Some of the characters are carrying real demons around with them and Wooding doesn't wimp out of some the bad things they've done or had done to them. There are also some genuinely unsettling moments (one flashback sequence to an arctic location is pretty disturbing, which is all the more impressive since we know the character involved survives), and hints of greater, darker threats out in the world which could come into play in later books.
Retribution Falls (*****) is an accomplished and enjoyable novel, and hopefully the start of many adventures for this crew. The novel will be published on 18 June 2009 in the UK in hardcover and tradeback, and the tradeback will be available in the USA via Amazon after that date as well.
5 comments:
- amuletts said...
I like your blog. Would you be kind enough to do a review of my fantasy webcomic, Epic Fail? It's at http://comicofepicfail.com and being a webcomic it's in print and screen simultaniously! I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
- 23 February 2009 at 18:43:00 GMT
My first 5-star on the Wertzone! You see that, Abercrombie? ;)
Thanks again for the review, Adam. Gollancz and I are actually going to throw together a mini competition thing with a few advance reading copies of Retribution Falls to be won. Would you mind if I posted it up on here when we've got it sorted out? - 23 February 2009 at 20:19:00 GMT
- Adam Whitehead said...
Let us know, Chris. I usually don't do competitions but for a book of this quality I'm willing to make an exception :-)
And yes, the 'Crombie has a new target to hit with 'Best Served Medium Rare'. - 23 February 2009 at 23:21:00 GMT
- ediFanoB said...
Adam, I opened your blog read the first paragraph of your review, looked at the cover and you got me hooked. I LIKE AIRSHIPS !!
Of course I read the rest of your great review.
I must definitely buy and read this book! And I was glad to read this will be the beginning of a series....
I'm really nosey to read. So please if you get the opportunity for a competition for an ARC please do it. Anyway I will take part. - 23 February 2009 at 23:34:00 GMT
Wish I could get ahold of this book now!
- 24 February 2009 at 15:45:00 GMT


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The stars of Marc Jacobs's spring/summer 2013 show were his stripes.
BY Luke Leitch | 11 September 2012
According to my watch, it was all over in five minutes. From the punctual to-the-minute start at 8pm precisely - when a stripe-clad model emerged from behind a swinging mirrored door - to the finale that saw all of the models mob the enormous isosceles triangle of a catwalk, Marc Jacobs was by far the most abrupt show of New York Fashion Week.
Inevitably, it will also prove to be by far the most influential: for Jacobs is the only designer in this city who combines commercial might with consistent critical acclaim, and it is now almost a self-fulfilling prophecy that, of all of the shows here, this is the one that really counts.
IN PICTURES: Marc Jacobs spring/summer 2013
That's why hundreds of people jostle frenziedly outside the Armoury on Lexington Avenue to gain entry, and hundreds more jostle just to watch these jostlers. This time, those who did get in and find their seats in by 8pm saw enough stripes to make Bridget Riley question her work ethic: there were stripey T-shirt dresses, stripey three-quarter-length coats, stripey scallop-hemmed shifts, stripey suits, stripey pants and stripey everything else. The stripes ranged from thick to thin, horizontal to vertical, came in a few different colours, and were translated onto the side of boxy totes or sharp-toed mid-heels and flats.
Backstage, Jacobs explained his theme thus: "Stripes. I like stripes! They're nice." Comments like this do not make him sound like the Spinoza of fashion, but there was a logic of sorts to this show. "Last season," said Jacobs, "was very romantic, very fairytale: so this season I wanted to do something very brutal, very sexy, and very straightforward. No romance, no emotion, just real power and force. We wanted the girls to have sex appeal without them being vulgar or out there. It was about coolness as opposed to an ass-up sex appeal."
IN PICTURES: New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2013: The fashion pack at the shows
The models had Sixties hair and make-up - reliably sexy yet definitely not slutty - which, combined with the stripes and shifts, occasionally felt Mary Quantish. There were pointy striped Chelsea boots and block-heeled Mary Janes, but not, from what I could glimpse in the rush, a high-heel in sight. And although there were brief stripe-free moments - two gridded looks and two in leopard print - these barely registered in the great onrush of parallel lines. Although the model Cara Delevingne said they hadn't been ordered to stride particularly down the catwalk - "we could have gone much faster than that" - Jacobs said that this collection was built for speed: "Every time I try and make it faster and faster. My dream is a show that lasts for one minute: I'd love to have it over before everybody is seated."
The best reason I can think of for why Jacobs went so fixedly for stripes is simply that they aren't spots. His other job is as chief designer for Louis Vuitton, the French handbag house whose output is currently dominated by the spot-saturated motifs of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Hence stripes, repeated ad nauseam as Kusama repeats her spots, must have felt half-homage, half-declaration of independence. "It was a change of spirit," said Jacobs,"a change of attitude. Which is what we do so you guys don't get bored."
All the latest from New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2013